MONTRÉAL, Feb. 11, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell is deeply saddened by the death of the Honourable Michael Wilson, PC CC at the age of 81. A role model for leaders in Canadian business, politics and the community, Mr. Wilson was a pioneering champion for mental health and a close partner in the Bell Let's Talk initiative. Embracing the mental health cause like no leader before him, Mr. Wilson was an early inspiration and advisor in the development of Bell Let's Talk.

MARKHAM, ON , Feb. 6, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - The City of Markham today announced the launch of the Smart City Accelerator Research Program, a new partnership with Bell. The program will deploy Bell's Smart City platform, an advanced solution of interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) applications, to improve the efficiency of municipal operations and enhance City services for residents. Through its Digital Markham strategy, Markham aims to create a "frictionless city" through innovation and adoption of emerging technologies that will enhance the customer experience and improve the overall quality of life for Markham residents.

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 30, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk today announced a $300,000 donation to Accueil Bonneau, Welcome Hall Mission and the Old Brewery Mission to support their work caring for those coping with homelessness in Montréal. In partnership with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, the organizations will expand the Programme de réaffiliation en itinérance et santé mentale (PRISM), which provides sustained access to mental health care for homeless people with severe mental illness.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- WGN America, Sony Pictures Television's networks, and Canada's CTV announced today the renewal of the comedic procedural series Carter for a second season, starring Jerry O'Connell (Billions), Sydney Poitier Heartsong (Chicago P.D.) and Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black). Andy Berman (Psych, Rosewood) joins Carter as Showrunner and Executive Producer for its sophomore season, which will return to North Bay, Ontario to commence production this spring. Series creator Garry Campbell (Kids in The Hall, MADtv) returns as an executive producer and writer on the series.

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 17, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk today announced a $500,000 donation to the Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End-of-Life Practices (CRISE) at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). Part of UQAM's "100 millions d'idées" fundraising campaign, the donation will be used to develop a first of its kind project aimed at preventing suicide by making optimal use of today's digital communications tools.

WINNIPEG , Jan. 16, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk and the City of Winnipeg today announced a combined donation of $200,000 to Bear Clan Patrol, the community-based organization providing safety and belonging, mental wellness support, conflict resolution and crime prevention for vulnerable people in the community. This new funding will help Bear Clan Patrol expand patrol coverage, grow its food distribution program and add a new resource for the counselling program. "Bell Let's Talk is proud to join with the City of Winnipeg to help Bear Clan Patrol in its work to provide a safe and supportive environment for members of the community struggling with mental health challenges," said Mary Deacon , Chair of Bell Let's Talk.

WINNIPEG , Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk and the Manitoba government today announced a joint gift of $1 million over 5 years to the Strongest Families Institute (SFI) to expand mental health services for children, youth and their families throughout Manitoba . "Bell Let's Talk is proud to support our partners at the Strongest Families Institute as they bring their experience in helping young people who struggle with mental health issues to Manitoba ," said Mary Deacon , Chair of Bell Let's Talk. The Strongest Families Institute has a proven track record of providing mental health care to children and youth that is effective, family-centered, timely and accessible to those living in rural and remote areas," said Cameron Friesen , Manitoba Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living.

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 11, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced the launch of the annual Bell Let's Talk Community Fund for 2019, with $2 million in grants available this year for local mental health leaders improving access to care in communities throughout Canada. "Bell Let's Talk Community Fund has supported local mental health initiatives in every corner of the country, from the largest urban centres to some of Canada's most remote communities," said Mary Deacon , Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "I have been privileged to see the evolution of mental health care in my two and a half decades as a frontline social worker," said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health. "Thanks to the work of incredible initiatives like Bell Let's Talk, and the work of organizations providing services and support in communities, conversations that once happened in hushed voices are now front and centre.

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 9, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - In the lead up to Bell Let's Talk Day on January 30 , university and college students in every province and territory are promoting campus mental health programs with guest speakers, conferences, information kiosks, and varsity and collegiate athletic events. More than 340 events at 205 schools will invite students to be part of the world's biggest mental health conversation while learning more about resources available to them on campus. Now reaching a national post-secondary student population of 1.6 million, the Bell Let's Talk campus campaign has been encouraging student-led mental health conversations since it began in 2016 as a student-athlete initiative at 11 Atlantic Canada universities.

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 3, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk Day 2019 is coming up on Wednesday, January 30 , and this week marks the start of the mental health initiative's national awareness campaign leading up to the world's biggest conversation about mental health. The campaign features 41 Friends of Bell Let's Talk, Canadians from around the country telling their personal stories of living with mental illness and inviting everyone to join in on January 30 to drive awareness and action in mental health.

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Already the world's biggest conversation about mental health, Bell Let's Talk is set to pass a pair of major milestones on Bell Let's Talk Day 2019 this January 30 – a billion total messages of support for mental health and $100 million in total Bell funding. With Bell donating 5 cents to Canadian mental health for each of these texts, mobile and long distance calls, and social media interactions at no extra cost to participants, Bell's total funding commitment has already surpassed $93 million , including the company's original $50 million anchor donation. "Bell Let's Talk Day is built on your engagement in the mental health conversation and millions of people across Canada and around the world have taken up the cause each year.